I along with a friend did a first time safari to RSA, doing a 10 day package hunt. I wasn't expecting how much "Dip and Ship" would be.

Highveld Taxidermy "Dip and Pack" $2286.40
Safari Cargo System $1670.78
DFM International $1067.41

Total $5024.59

We took a total of 17 animals with 7 back skins.

This is a lot of money for shipping skins to US tannery.

Anyone else with unexpected costs?

That's pretty dang high for the dip and pack. Though you did take a bunch of animals. The shipping seems reasonable. In my experience, a lot of the taxidermists will charge a flat "per skin" fee, which probably is not justified when you're talking about that many animals. Did you take eland, giraffe or other bigger animals that you were having lifesized? Finally, I think it's sage advice to leave all the backskins. I have a pile of them that I paid a fortune in tanning and shipping and I've never done anything with them.

Taking the wife shopping in Windhoek Don't ask.
Support for a return trip: Priceless.

When I went in July just past I knew every thing up front. I killed 4 animals and taxidermy
work is $1400 plus the $3000 for the trophy fee, food and a place to sleep and free Beer. The flight cost me $1800 so the total was $5200
I'm not complaining.

You say dip and pack but you list a taxidermy company doing it? Dip and pack is what the safari company does to prepare it for shipping and that's a set cost...like $500 not an odd amount like you list.

We had 1 bushbuck life size, 1 zebra flat skin, 1 blesbuck flat skin. All the rest were capes No big animals Kudu >.

Yukon delta,

The safari co. we used uses a taxadermy co. to do the dip and pack. $500.00 does sound much more in line

i would have to tell them to shove the trophies.

Buck,
I just got hosed to. Its really trophy hostage. By the time I got my trophies, I probably paid $700 in "documentation". I cleared my first shipment in 03 and this past shipment was shipped by Matabele Taxidermy to Worldwide Logistics and they said their agent was Coppersmith and I would have to use them. I called Coppersmith and they said they HAD to ship them to a certified taxidermist. I picked up my own in 2003. All of this took place and I had a question on the bill and in talking to them after the fact, they said I could have come and gotten them myself if I had wanted to. Personally I think something should be done about it. I know its a tough subject. But, the hunter had NO leverage in the deal. I wish we could hold the final payment on the hunt in an escrow account until the trophies arrived in the states. That would eliminate this bullshit of up to a two year wait on shipment. Work out a price for shipping and "documentation" and if it is more than agreed upon, take it out of the escrow money. The outfitter would definitely make sure the shippers he used were ethical and efficient. They tried to get me for dip and pack twice until I produced a receipt for it. They still made it up in documentation. In 2003 I had a 324 pound crade shipped for $643, last month an 82 pound crate cost me $1901. And it wasn't shipping costs going up that made it go up that much. Sorry for the rant.

Which company did you use Buckshotaz? I've never heard of dip and pack being that much for plains game...or even glamour game. This sounds more like Moz than RSA. Your dip and pack should have been quoted to you in the contract. Was it? There are several things here that don't sound right to me.

Buckshotaz
Get your taxidermist involved even before you leave to set up ALL this for you.
I do A lot of safari's, dozens every year.

Average costs: dip/pack/ship/documentation/broker ect.
Runs about 1,200.00 to 1,500.00 per shipment on average hunt 7-10 trophies horns and backskins.

There are many shipping companies to choose from in Africa and don't use a taxidermists for dip/pack unless you know them personally. There are many good companies that do nothing but dip/pack and are far more reasonable than a lot of taxidermists in Africa.

Magnum Hunter1: as for the problem with shipping to a certified taxidermist, that's your good old USDA new regulations. Has nothing to with USFW.

Most first and second timers spend more than expected on trophy shipping. I made the mistake of shipping an entire giraffe and croc skin home to the tune of $4000. Frankly, if you want your heads mounted, it may be cheaper to ship the horns and buy capes in the US or Europe already tanned and ready to go.

T A of W,

I am doing the taxidermy myself, I havent done Taxidermy for some time but it will save money in the long run.

This was my first trip and know more now. I will get quotes beforehand and never use these guys again.

Please post where we can get dip/pack/ship/docs/and broker for $1500 on 7-10 animals because this bill will cause me to to take 2-3 years to go back and not next year

Sounds a bit on the expensive side. Seems the added tack on of using an agent to clear the stuff adds quite a bit of cost. My hunt in 06 in South Africa was 4 hunters.

$2870 23 animals dip, ship, and crate Fin and Fur Taxidermy

1,141- Shipping Novotrans (2 crates, 4 hunters)

$35 to USFWS to clear the trophies

Last year's 06, safari animals made it to me in May or 07... I had 4 crates totaling 758 lbs. of skins horns ele skull, and 130 lbs of ivory..
From Tanzania to Fauna & Flora $3300... I thought that was a very fair price... I also picked up a buf head and cape for a friend... It weighed 100lbs. cost $1879... So who got ripped...
We are paying for volmetric space on shipments and weight...

We should all ask about dipping packing and shipping... To late to now...


Mike

I paid $450 for dip and pack both times. It is the rest of the add ons I have a problem with.

quote:

Highveld Taxidermy "Dip and Pack" $2286.40
Safari Cargo System $1670.78
DFM International $1067.41

Dip and Pack comes out to about $135/animal. Not cheap but not outragous. Within reason.

Shipping looks like about $835/person? This too is within the reasonable relm, actually a pretty decent price.

I assume DFM is the freight forwarder? $500/person is about right for any freight forwarder.

Assuming these fees are total for the two hunters, (not per person) I think the problem here is that you did not know what to expect. At $2500/person, these fess are a tad high, but still well within reason.

It would be a bit difficult to find Dip/Pack/Ship/Clearing for $1500 when the use of a clearing company will add about $500 in assorted fees.

quote:

Highveld Taxidermy "Dip and Pack" $2286.40
Safari Cargo System $1670.78
DFM International $1067.41

Total $5024.59

Dip pack shipping clearance are very hard to predict Life form sent us a price list which helped. Shipping rates change frequently. I had some fairly accurate estimates from ABX which helped. Taxidermy is a whole other thing. We got all our own animals . we provided laminated tags and life form attached stainless steel ones. I think it was the hardest part of the safari. Your prices seem inline to me.
Doyle

Highveld Taxidermy "Dip and Pack" $2286.40
Safari Cargo System $1670.78
DFM International $1067.41

Total $5024.59

22 Trophies 2006
Life form dip and pack $2776.00
Safari Cargo $1482.15
ABX $ 798.50
To Texas

Total $5,056.65

I would agree with Wendell as a dip and pack fee of at least $100 per animal is normal. However, dip and pack does appear to be increasing along with all other fees: shipping, trophy fees, daily rates, etc.

I would have to agree with the statement above regarding backskins. Their novelty fades quickly and you can buy a tanned full skin for less than what you will have in the backskin by the time it is dipped, packed, shipped, and tanned. Unless you are going to make something out of them or use them for pedestal inlays, pillows, etc. I would leave them in Africa.
When trying to cut costs, backskins should be the first to go!

As a general rule I tell people to expect to spend an amount equal to their trophy fees. Most of the time it ends up being pretty close for the first time safari. I do think the trophy export business in Africa is very profitible. There are a lot of kick backs paid by taxidermists, shipping agents, and dip/pack companies. All those kick backs cost the hunters money. The other fee to look out for is the "documentaion fee" which is usually a 10% to 20% charge. These are most often added profit margin and can be negotiated if done in advance.

Last year I got a quote to send two buffalo sculls back from Zim with no hides. I also got a quote to have them done as euopean mounts in South Africa and shipped ocean freight. They both came to about 2500 dollars by the time I received them. Since that what it costs to fly roundtrip from California to Zim the buffalo are still in Zimbabwe and I will be there also next year. However I already have four sculls so its no big deal to me. Always work out shipping before you go with quotes then there are no suprises.

Buckshotaz,
It's all in 35 years experience, Which shipping company to use, A reputable reasonable Dip/Pack company,the proper broker that does not overcharge you $500 to clear your shipment. Sure if your in the city that is a Port Of Entry for Customs and has a on site USFW Inspector you can do it yourself for $55.00. That's the import fee on personal trophies but most people are not able to do that. Then Your skins and crate are sent to tanner near the port of entry to save forwarding costs, then they ship horns in smaller boxes UPS to us.
Your not helping any taxidermists make a living for their family here in the states as you mentioned you are doing it yourself. Sorry but my information is for my clients or clients that economically support the professional taxidermy businesses in the States.

You got smoked my friend. Who did you hunt with? We heard of a Taxidermy in that area that burned off a couple of weeks ago....I do not know if it was Highveldt or not.

I am in the process of getting the fascilities sorted on my ranch to do the dip and packing, so that I can safe my clients some money.

I truly hope you have a better experience next time round.

www.infinito-safaris.com

Infinito, Great ! I like to see PH's getting involved in this. Glad your looking out for your clients. Also get involved with the frieght carriers make them bid for your frieght, let them know your talking to all of them. Best ones I've seen are the German bases companies.
Kudo's to you.

Thanks to everyone that responded. I will know better next time, I just never thought that it would cost $295.56 per animal to get from RSA to the US.

Howdy,

I've been to Africa two times - my "dip+pack" was not even close to those numbers.

Interestingly I will be going to S. Africa next year and the place I'm going uses Highveld-I will get this straigtened out.

I wonder if the "booking agents" get a cut of these rediculous fees???? Everyone is in the cookie jar.

Adios

Sport

quote:

Originally posted by Sport Fulton:
I wonder if the "booking agents" get a cut of these rediculous fees????
Sport

Nope.

Actually you save money with an agent as he does or can do a lot of the leg work and has a relationship with a freight forwarder.

Howdy,

From a large outfitter in Zimbabwe(Chifuti) - current web site - including Dangerous game -

quote
2. TROPHY DIPPING/PACKING- 2 species or less $300, 3-10 species $600, over 10 species $800.

Is the dipping and packing a different "ball game" in South Africa???

adios

Sport

It should be easier and cheaper in RSA than in any other African country as Jo'burg is the main entry and exit port.

Generally, shipping by air is about US 1000 (2005 prices; say 1500 now) and dipping and packing should not really be more than a grand. A friend and I paid $ 400 each for dipping and packing 10 animals. Plus the costs of dipping/packing need to be disclosed to you up front. I would go on the outfitters website and see what their charges are. perhaps they made a mistake.

quote:

Originally posted by Buckshotaz:
I along with a friend did a first time safari to RSA, doing a 10 day package hunt. I wasn't expecting how much "Dip and Ship" would be.

Highveld Taxidermy "Dip and Pack" $2286.40
Safari Cargo System $1670.78
DFM International $1067.41

Total $5024.59

We took a total of 17 animals with 7 back skins.

This is a lot of money for shipping skins to US tannery.

Anyone else with unexpected costs?

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:

quote:

Originally posted by Sport Fulton:
I wonder if the "booking agents" get a cut of these rediculous fees????
Sport

Nope.

I know of some cases where the PH or outfitter that sent you to the Taxidermist receives 15% kickback.

tradewinds,

True, it seems to be more common than not for these companies to offer outfitters deals to bring them business. I do not know what the % is though.

Form my experience, I think most outfitters use the area taxidermist that pays them a commission (15% seems to be the average ) and is the most convenient for them. The taxidermist that drives out and picks up the trophies from the ranch or concession gets the work! I put most of the blame on outfitters. It's usually their recommendations that steers the hunter to the taxidermist.

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:
tradewinds,

True, it seems to be more common than not for these companies to offer outfitters deals to bring them business. I do not know what the % is though.

The PH I have used told me 15%. I was also told by the Taxidermist he received a kick back from the shipping company. He also told me the US Freight Brokers also rceive a kick back from the shipping company.

Howdy,

Very informative thread - I'm glad I got into this discussion and the learning experience will help me plan my safari for next May.

I sent an email to Highveld - asking for a quote based on assumption of A,B,C,D animals. I'm curious to see the response.

As I expected, everyone has a hand in the cookie jar. I'm sure there are payoffs to all involved even though it is not transparent.

I must admit, I'm a bit naive, I used even think SCI members would not shoot animals out of helicopters.

Adios

Sport

quote:

Originally posted by Buckshotaz:
T A of W,

I am doing the taxidermy myself, I havent done Taxidermy for some time but it will save money in the long run.

This was my first trip and know more now. I will get quotes beforehand and never use these guys again.

Please post where we can get dip/pack/ship/docs/and broker for $1500 on 7-10 animals because this bill will cause me to to take 2-3 years to go back and not next year

There is a company in South Africa called Dip Pack. All they do is Dip and Packing of trophies. His rates are posted on his website dippack.com

Documents and crating are excellant as well.

I don't recognize the name of the Customs Broker you used (DFM) - what city are they located in?

I head up the Hunting Trophy Division of our company and would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Take a look at our website huntingtrophy.com The FAQ section spells out most any question you might have. Otherwise just e-mail me.
Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by tradewinds:

quote:

Originally posted by Wendell Reich:
tradewinds,

True, it seems to be more common than not for these companies to offer outfitters deals to bring them business. I do not know what the % is though.

The PH I have used told me 15%. I was also told by the Taxidermist he received a kick back from the shipping company. He also told me the US Freight Brokers also rceive a kick back from the shipping company.

I can assure you our company (Coppersmith Inc.) would never demand or accept any kick backs from shipping companies (or anyone else for that matter) as we would lose our Customs Brokers License - it was too hard to get.

I have heard about the commissions paid to overseas taxidermist by the overseas shipping companies for business - ask your PH. You wind up paying for it on the bottom line.

Highveld run a very good operation and their rates are at the upper end of the spectrum but they are definitely NOT rip off artists. Your trophies will be well prepared and looked after as well as been packed correctly.RSA govt regs dictate that you have to dip/pack through a licensed operator -i dont know of one outfitter that does this themselves. It involves a lot of govt red tape and vet permits at times.

If you want a good dip/pack specialist try Universal trophy services. they are located outside Pretoria and specialise in Dip and pack. The guys that own it are super organised and also avid hunters themselves.Check out their website for yourselves

www.universaltrophyservices.co.za

or email Rupert Dedekind

rupert@universaltrophyservices.co.za

Damn, I hope they sent some KY with it.

I had 14 animals, all heads, skulls and backskins. My dipping was $450 and the shipping was $2300. This was last year.